ICANN new gTLD applications have entered a major new phase after the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) published the applications submitted in its 2026 New Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) Program.
On October 7, 2026, ICANN revealed 1,615 applications from 481 applicants. As a result, the public can now see the next group of proposed internet domain extensions. The list also shows strong interest in AI-related domains from major technology companies such as OpenAI and Meta.
ICANN Reveals 1,615 New gTLD Applications
The 2026 application window opened on April 30 and closed on August 12, 2026. After reviewing the submissions, ICANN published the public application details on October 7.
The current list includes:
- 1,615 applications
- 481 applicants
- 333 brand applications
- 16 community-based applications
- 15 geographic-name applications
- 21 Internationalized Domain Name applications
- 9 variant applications
- 51 applications from the Applicant Support Program
North America submitted the most applications with 864. Europe followed with 506 applications. Meanwhile, Asia, Australia and the Pacific region submitted 218 applications.
Africa submitted 16 applications. In comparison, Latin America and the Caribbean submitted 11.
However, these numbers may still change before ICANN reaches its next major milestone. Applicants can replace eligible strings during the current replacement period.
OpenAI Targets AI and Technology Domains
OpenAI is one of the biggest names taking part in the 2026 gTLD round.
According to the published application records, OpenAI has applied for 15 primary strings. These include company and product names, as well as several AI-related terms.
Some notable applications include:
.openai.chatgpt.gpt.codex.agent.agi.asi.mcp.model.voice.skill
In particular, the AI-related applications show how the industry is changing. Instead of relying only on traditional website addresses, AI companies are looking to build their own online spaces.
For example, if .chatgpt or .openai is approved, OpenAI could use the extension for websites and online services.
However, submitting an application does not mean that the applicant automatically gets the domain extension. Each application must first pass through ICANN’s review and other required steps.
Meta Also Applies for New Domain Extensions
Meta is another major company taking part in the new gTLD round.
According to the published records, Meta Registry Holdings has applied for many brand and technology-related strings. These include:
.facebook.instagram.whatsapp.threads.messenger.meta.llama.metaai.aiglasses.metaglasses.wearables.superintelligence
In addition, Meta has applied for .agent. Therefore, the company is now part of one of the most closely watched AI domain races.
This move also shows that large technology companies see domain extensions as an important part of their online brand strategy.
.agent Becomes a Major Domain Battle
Among the AI-related strings, .agent has attracted especially strong interest.
The published application data shows 13 applications for .agent. In addition, OpenAI and Meta are among the companies linked to applications for the string.
Other AI-related extensions are attracting interest as well.
| Proposed TLD | Applications |
|---|---|
.agent | 13 |
.agi | 7 |
.asi | 5 |
.intelligence | 4 |
As a result, AI-focused domain extensions have become one of the clearest themes of the 2026 gTLD round.
When several applicants want the same domain extension, ICANN must use its rules to handle the competition. In other words, the applicants may enter a contention process to determine who can operate the string.
Google and Other AI Companies Join the Race
OpenAI and Meta are not the only major technology companies applying for new domain extensions.
For example, Charleston Road Registry, Google’s registry company, has applied for strings such as .gemini, .deepmind, .chromium, .pixel, .waymo, .workspace, .agent, .api, .intelligence and .mcp.
Similarly, Anthropic has applied for .anthropic and .claude.
Together, these applications show that several major AI companies want stronger control over their online identity. Furthermore, these domains could help companies create clear website addresses for AI products and services.
Brand Domains Remain Important
AI is only one major trend in the 2026 gTLD round.
In fact, ICANN reported 333 brand applications in its Reveal Day data. These applications allow companies to seek a top-level domain based on their own brands.
A successful brand TLD could give a company more control over its website addresses. For example, a company could potentially create addresses under its own extension instead of depending only on a traditional .com address.
However, the exact use of each brand extension will depend on the applicant and its registry plans.
What Happens After Reveal Day?
Reveal Day is not the end of the application process. Instead, it marks the beginning of several important review stages.
The Replacement Period began on October 8, 2026, and runs until October 21. During this period, eligible applicants can replace certain strings under ICANN’s rules.
Next, November 17, 2026 will bring another important milestone. On that date, ICANN plans to publish the final list of applied-for strings and updated contention information on String Confirmation Day.
At the same time, the Community Input and Objections Period will begin on November 17. It will continue until March 16, 2027.
After that, applications will move through further review and competition-resolution stages. Therefore, applicants still have several steps to complete before their proposed domain extensions can become active.
What Does This Mean for Domain Investors?
The new gTLD round could create opportunities for domain investors, businesses and developers.
However, investors should not assume that every new extension will become successful. Previous gTLD launches produced many new extensions, but their popularity has varied.
For this reason, investors will likely pay close attention to extensions linked to major technology trends, well-known brands and widely used terms.
AI-related strings are especially interesting because artificial intelligence continues to expand across many industries. As a result, domains connected to AI could receive strong attention from businesses and developers.
The competition for .agent could therefore become one of the most closely watched domain battles in the 2026 round.
AI Is Changing the Domain Industry
The 2026 New gTLD Round shows that the AI boom is reaching the domain name industry.
OpenAI, Meta, Google-related registry operations and Anthropic are all seeking domains connected to AI, technology or their brands. Meanwhile, other applicants are competing for generic terms that could become valuable online identities.
The competition around .agent, .agi and other AI-focused extensions could shape the next stage of the domain market.
For domain investors, registries and technology companies, ICANN’s Reveal Day provides an early look at how the internet’s naming system could change.
With 1,615 applications now public, the next big question is which new domain extensions will actually make it to the internet.
To know more news on ICANN click herehttps://domainera.net/icann-2026-round-guide/
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Last modified: October 8, 2026
